Things To Do
in South Huntington
South Huntington is a suburban neighborhood on Long Island within the Town of Huntington, characterized by tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and easy access to both beaches and suburban shopping. Many residents commute to New York City, giving the area a quiet daytime feel that livens up in Huntington Village with shops, cafes and cultural venues. The neighborhood sits within reach of state parks, harbors and historic sites, making it a good base for both outdoor activities and cultural day trips.
Expect a typical Long Island mix of family-friendly amenities, commuter infrastructure and seasonal crowds in summer and on holiday weekends.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing stroll at Heckscher Park, where you can enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. Stop by the park's art museum to soak in some local culture. The tranquil surroundings will prepare you for a wonderful day ahead.
Head to nearby South Huntington Park for a leisurely picnic and some light sports activities. Bring a frisbee or enjoy a game of tennis at the courts available. This relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding and enjoying a sunny afternoon.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant that highlights the area’s fresh seafood. Afterward, explore the vibrant downtown area with its quaint shops and charming cafes. Cap off the night by catching a live music performance at a local venue.
Visit the Long Island Museum to learn about the regional history and culture, focusing on art, history, and transportation. The museum offers diverse exhibits that are both educational and engaging for all ages. After immersing yourself in the exhibits, take a moment to enjoy the peaceful gardens outside.
After your museum visit, stop by Main Street for lunch and local artisan shops. Indulge in some unique finds, from handmade crafts to vintage items, giving you a taste of the community's creativity. This lively street offers a wonderful array of dining options for a satisfying meal.
In the evening, enjoy a cozy dinner at a family-owned restaurant that showcases international cuisine. After your meal, take a short drive to a nearby theater for a live performance or film screening. Engage with the community by attending this cultural event and perhaps meet some locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $6-8 |
| 🚗Short taxi / ride-hail trip | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to beaches, parks and maritime scenery
- Good commuter access to New York City (LIRR and roads)
- Family-friendly suburban amenities with a charming village center
- Seasonal farmers’ markets and fresh local seafood
- Car-dependent in many areas—limited late-night public transit
- Can be crowded and more expensive in summer and on weekends
- Limited big-city nightlife and cultural attractions compared with NYC
- Parking and traffic congestion during peak commuting hours
Places to Visit in South Huntington
Visit one of these nice places.
Great for golden-hour shots of boats, reflections and piers; harbor views capture classic Long Island maritime life and sunsets.
Scenic harbor, historic buildings and shoreline vistas—good for serene water scenes and small-town charm.
Elevated trails and viewpoints offering sweeping views of the surrounding Long Island landscape and, on clear days, skyline glimpses toward the west.
Historic house and landscaped grounds provide atmospheric portraits, seasonal foliage scenes and cultural-interest shots.
Document everyday life—shopfronts, seasonal events, farmers’ markets and street scenes in Huntington Village and nearby downtowns.
Food in South Huntington
South Huntington Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Long Island clams and New England–style clam chowder are widely available at seafood restaurants and casual taverns along the North and South Shores.
Must-Try!
Local oyster houses and seafood restaurants serve oysters harvested from nearby waters; try them raw on the half shell or as part of a seafood platter.
Classic New York–style bagels and hearty deli sandwiches are staples for breakfast and lunch; look for an old-school bakery or deli for an authentic experience.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal farmers market in or near Huntington Village (weekdays/seasonal depending on schedule) with local produce, baked goods and prepared foods—great for picnic supplies.
Independent delis and bakeries scattered across South Huntington offer quick takeaway options like bagels, pastries, sandwiches and coffee.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and direct—greeting with a simple 'hello' or 'hi' and saying 'please' and 'thank you' goes a long way.
Maintain typical U.S. personal space in queues and public transport; avoid overly loud phone conversations in quieter venues.
Observe posted rules about parking, dogs, and beach hours; many parks require permits for certain activities or parking during peak season.
Drivers are used to suburban driving—use turn signals, follow posted speed limits, and be patient during rush hour and on the Long Island Expressway.
Safety
Tipping in South Huntington
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S.: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants; $1–2 per drink at bars; 10–15% for delivery or takeout is appreciated; round up taxi fares and tip hotel porters and housekeeping a few dollars per service.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash for small purchases, markets or tips, though most places prefer cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, humid and busy—perfect for beaches, boating and outdoor dining but expect crowded parks and higher weekend traffic; book accommodations and restaurant reservations early.
Crisp, pleasant weather with fall foliage on park trails and quieter beaches; ideal for hiking, scenic drives and farmers’ markets.
Cold with occasional snow—some outdoor attractions are quieter; dress in layers and be prepared for shorter daylight hours and possible icy conditions on trails and roads.
Seasonal blooms and milder temperatures bring farmers’ markets back to life and make for good hiking and birdwatching, though some rain is common.
South Huntington at Night
Hiking in South Huntington
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Offers varied trails, gentle climbs and viewpoints with wooded scenery and peaceful walking paths; good for birdwatching and short hikes.
A larger preserve with forested trails, wetlands and the Connetquot River—excellent for hiking, fishing and observing wildlife.
Coastal park with historic estate grounds, rolling meadows and shoreline trails—great for longer walks, cycling and scenic photography.
Beachfront park with flat trails along the shoreline, boardwalk areas and sweeping views—good for easy hikes, jogging and family outings.
Trails around golf vistas and wooded areas provide walking and jogging routes; nearby green spaces offer a longer day outdoors.
Airports
How to reach South Huntington by plane.
Located in Islip (roughly 25–35 minutes by car depending on traffic), a convenient regional airport with limited commercial flights—useful for domestic connections.
Approximately 30–45 minutes by car in light traffic or accessible via public transit connections; handles many domestic flights and is the closest major NYC airport.
About 35–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; international and many domestic flights are available, with public transit options including the AirTrain from Jamaica Station.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large share of residents commute to NYC or other Long Island employment centers, shaping morning and evening traffic patterns.
Many long-term residents are families attracted to good schools, parks and suburban housing.
The area includes a mix of ethnic backgrounds—Italian, Irish, Hispanic/Latino, Asian and others—reflected in restaurants, shops and community life.
A stable population of older adults who live in established neighborhoods and participate in civic and cultural activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
High school sports, especially football and lacrosse, are community focal points with active local leagues and weekend games in season.
Recreational boating, fishing and clamming are popular given proximity to harbors and the Atlantic shore.
Organized youth sports like soccer and baseball are common in parks and school fields throughout the area.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting South Huntington.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most cafes and many restaurants offer vegetarian salads, sandwiches and pasta; vegetarian options are widely available but calling ahead helps at smaller places.
Vegan choices are increasing—look for plant-based menu items at farm-to-table restaurants and some cafes; dedicated vegan restaurants are limited nearby, so check menus in advance.
Gluten-free menus and options are common at mid-range restaurants and some bakeries offer GF items, but cross-contamination can occur in delis and older bakeries.